We all struggle. We all have our ups and downs. And sometimes, just when we think things can’t get any worse, they do. As author Nicky Verd said, “Life is not for the faint-hearted.”
Maybe you’re coping with the loss of a job, a breakup, the death of someone close to you. Perhaps you’re dealing with criticism, unrealistic expectations, lack of confidence, or uncertainty. Whatever is giving you grief, being able to face it and grow from it will ultimately help you heal.
Acknowledge the Struggle
Don’t try to push your feelings away. They are going to come out eventually. Don’t deny, bottle, or bury them. It won’t stop them from coming to the surface; they’ll just arise at a different time, in a different way. Consider the AA motto: “the first step is admitting you have a problem.” Once you acknowledge the feelings, you can start addressing them.
Feel Your Feelings
Let the feelings flow through you. Allow yourself to truly experience them as they come to you. Don’t overthink it, and don’t try to rationalize it – emotions are often illogical. Let it in, but don’t dwell excessively or wallow in it. Replaying scenarios over in your mind will only drag it out. Let the feelings run their natural course, and then you can start to move past them.
Ask for Help
Whatever you’re struggling with, you don’t have to go through it alone. There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it. Share with your friends, family, therapist, or even your pet. Having an outlet can help you work through intense emotions, whether you need emotional support, advice, or just a listening ear. Don’t be afraid to seek help from professionals as well – that’s what they’re there for.
How to Cope
Everyone deals with their emotions differently, so ultimately, you have to find the strategies that work for you. Do things that make you feel good, no matter how small they are. Take care of your body with rest, exercise, and proper nutrition. A healthy body can lead to a sharper mind. Work on unraveling your emotions with a counselor or in a journal. The more you understand them, the better off you’ll be.
Change What You Can; Release What You Can’t
If you can affect your situation by changing your behavior, do it. Sometimes, working on yourself can help improve your circumstances. When you’re struggling with something that’s out of your control, try to release it. It’s not easy to let go, but worrying about things you can’t change will only bring you down. Absolve yourself and know that it’s out of your hands.
More than anything, be kind to yourself. We all worry, fear, criticize and grieve. When you’re struggling, you might be tempted to give up, but everyone has the potential to rise after getting knocked down. It’s hard to be resilient, but you are capable of weathering the toughest of storms and coming out the other side stronger than before.Reach out today to learn more about how we can help.
